This is page 3 of the Voyage of the Gypsy II
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Gordon is currently traveling around Australia using his Trailable Version Deltacraft Islander as his home, whilst exploring our amazing waterways, rivers, ports, resorts and reefs.
Email received 2nd December 2010
Hi, Have just this week done a lap around the Brisbane Water, Woy Woy et al. Didn't seem to time the weather right but I guess that's boating for you.
Over the next 8-10 days I will be going to Windsor and back to Spencer and put her back on the trailer ready for Port Stevens/Myall etc. Gordon.
Email received 2nd May 2011
MOVING ALONG:
One has to believe that to spend time on the water is one of the joys of living in this country. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend extended periods of time on two of our most popular waterways. Namely the Gippsland Lakes and the Hawkesbury River complex. I found my choice of water home, namely the water ballasted/trailable Deltacraft Islander to be argueably the best vessel in Australia for the task.
Firstly lets take a look at the gippsland Lakes. I spent about 8 weeks living aboard after launching at Tambo Marine at Johnsonville. Excellent service and facilities for launch/retrieve and storage of tow vehicle and trailer at reasonable cost.
The Gippsland Lakes is to me the perfect trailer boat liveaboard environment. You have rivers for fishing and general cruising, access to ocean beaches and also a variety of lakes to keep you occupied. The authorities in charge of this complex of waterways have gone to great lengths to provide magnificent facilities for mooring, both isolated and town based. Most have a 48hr limit which allows time to appreciate each area to its fullest.
I managed to travel the full length of the system from Lakes Entrance to the Port of Sale. I also visited all the major rivers to their navigable limits. You never get bored, (even though I was there through winter), with the sights on offer. Island walks, ocean beach fishing, lake and river fishing, cruising with the local dolphin population and everything else that paradise brings to mind. Simply amazing. I can't wait to return.
The Hawkesbury complex is different but equally amazing. I launched at Spencer (upstream from Brooklyn) at the caravan park. On this waterway you have the contrast of large open water like the Pittwater/Broken Bay and then the tricky navigation through to Gosford on the Brisbane Water. Superb challenge. After that every Arm/Bay/River/Estuary and Town is exciting to explore. Swimming goannas in Berowra Waters, dolphins in Broken Bay and isolated anchorages with moorings all on offer.
The trip to Windsor is one that is hard to put down on paper, you really have to experience it.I was on that section during flooding but Gypsea 2 at her speed was never in any danger from some of the trees floating past. You just need to monitor your anchor chain for big weed buildup over night.
A special highlight for me apart from the run to Gosford was the trip up to Mooney Mooney bridge - simply awesome. Tricky but not out of the range of anyone with basic skills in navigation. You have to do this trip to appreciate the sight of this bridge towering above you, seeming to go all the way to the clouds. A 'must do' on anyones list if contemplating any travel on the Hawkesbury. Apart from refuge cove there are numerous moorings to use for overnight stays in all tributaries and bays on this complex.
If you are even just thinking about such trips, don't think about it - just get out there and do it. It's no good sitting in your rocking chair in later years wondering what it would have been like. Get out there and enjoy what this great country offers us all. It's affordable and believe me you will not regret it.
Cheers in cruising. Gordon, mv Gypsea 2.
